Dev & Design

Extra-Bright LED Belt Could Save Lives

More than 5,000 cyclists and pedestrians are killed and 120,000 are injured every year, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Many of these could be prevented with reflective jackets—the neon-colored vests highway construction workers often wear— but such jackets require enough light to be reflective in the first place.

A new kickstarter-funded safety device, The Halo Belt 2.0, is designed to protect pedestrians and cyclists in all light conditions. It's an extremely bright LED strap with a long-lasting battery, and can be worn several ways: around the waist, over the shoulders or slung over one arm.

The Halo Belt's battery allows for 36 hours of continuous use. It's also re-chargable via a mini-USB port, and comes with a USB adapter. The first Halo Belt, which debuted in 2012, wasn't nearly so bright or long-lasting.

That model sold for $85, but Halo Belt 2.0 retails for $38. Ng plans to bring the new Halo Belts out in July.

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